I Have This Old Gun - U.S. M249 Saw Machine Gun

Published on May 18, 2017
Duration: 6:43

This expert-level entry details the U.S. M249 SAW, a standard squad automatic weapon since 1984. It evolved from the FN Minimi to meet modern doctrine, providing sustained belt-fed fire. The M249 is versatile, reliable in harsh conditions, and relatively easy to maintain, making it a crucial asset for U.S. military operations.

Quick Summary

The M249 SAW is the standard U.S. military squad automatic weapon, adopted in 1984. It fires 5.56 NATO ammunition and offers sustained suppressive fire using belt feeds or M16 magazines. Despite its open-bolt design, it's known for reliability in harsh conditions and ease of maintenance, weighing 17 lbs for manageable deployment.

Chapters

  1. 00:03M249 SAW Standard Issue
  2. 00:50Conceptual Evolution of SAW
  3. 01:48Doctrine Shift and Ammunition
  4. 02:30Adoption of FN Minimi
  5. 03:06Magazine vs. Belt Feed
  6. 03:38Production Pause and Improvements
  7. 04:09Familiar Design Post-1994
  8. 04:35M249 Versatility and Weight
  9. 05:14Performance in Harsh Environments
  10. 05:46Ease of Maintenance
  11. 06:05Rethinking Machine Gun Concept

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M249 SAW and its role in the US military?

The M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) is the standard light machine gun for the U.S. military, adopted in 1984. It provides sustained suppressive fire for infantry squads, complementing riflemen and offering tactical flexibility.

What ammunition does the M249 SAW use?

The M249 SAW fires standard NATO 5.56 ammunition. It is designed to accept both standard M16 rifle magazines and ammunition belts, providing versatility in different combat scenarios.

How reliable is the M249 SAW in harsh conditions?

The M249 SAW has proven reliable in harsh environments like Iraq and Afghanistan. While its open-bolt, belt-fed design could potentially ingest debris, its ease of servicing is a key characteristic that aids in maintaining operational readiness.

What are the key advantages of the M249 SAW?

Key advantages include its ability to provide sustained suppressive fire, its manageable weight (17 lbs), versatility in deployment (vehicle, fixed position, carried), and relative ease of maintenance, making it a crucial asset for infantry units.

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